Chhaava Movie Review: An Exhausting, Blood-Drenched Spectacle
Age Rating: UA 16+
Language: Hindi
Director: Laxman Utekar
Cast: Vicky Kaushal, Rashmika Mandanna, Akshaye Khanna, Ashutosh Rana, Divya Dutta, Vineet Singh, Diana Penty, Neil Bhoopalam
First Look: The Epic You Need to Know About
Vicky Kaushal is back, and this time he’s wielding a sword. Chhaava tells the story of Sambhaji Maharaj, the son of Shivaji Maharaj, in an action-packed historical drama that doesn’t hold back on violence, grandeur, and political intrigue. But is it a gripping retelling or an over-the-top action fest that tests your patience? Let’s dive in.
Plot Overview: Blood, Betrayal & Brutality
The movie kicks off with a high-intensity battle scene where Sambhaji (Vicky Kaushal) leads a fierce attack against the Mughals. Aurangzeb (Akshaye Khanna) is hell-bent on wiping out the Marathas, but Sambhaji won’t go down without a fight.
Between power struggles within his own family and never-ending war against the Mughals, Sambhaji faces betrayal from those closest to him. As the film progresses, his fate hangs in the balance, leading to one of the most brutal climaxes in Bollywood history.
Performances: Vicky Kaushal Steals the Show
Vicky Kaushal owns the film. His intensity, body language, and dialogue delivery make him the perfect Sambhaji Maharaj. Rashmika Mandanna, playing his wife, brings grace but is underutilized. Akshaye Khanna as Aurangzeb is menacing, but his prosthetic-heavy look feels distracting at times. Divya Dutta and Ashutosh Rana deliver solid supporting roles, adding depth to the internal conflicts.
What Works:
✅ Vicky Kaushal’s powerful performance
✅ Stunning cinematography & grand battle sequences
✅ High emotional stakes with family betrayals
✅ Intense music score amplifying the drama
What Doesn’t Work:
❌ Over-the-top violence that might be too much for some viewers
❌ Sluggish pacing in the second half
❌ Predictable screenplay with historical inaccuracies
Should You Watch It?
If you love grand historical dramas and don’t mind excessive action, Chhaava is worth a watch. Vicky Kaushal carries the film on his shoulders, but the overwhelming violence and stretched runtime may not be for everyone.
⭐ Rating: 3/5
Would you sit through this brutal epic or give it a pass? Let us know in the comments! 👇